A minute's silence was observed at Galway District Court on Monday (September 1 ) as a mark of respect to two popular and respected members of An Garda Síochána, both based at Millstreet Garda Station, who passed away within a month of each other.
Judge Adrian Harris said he was shocked and saddened beyond words to learn that Garda Diarmuid Ó Tuairisg (40 ) had passed away suddenly on Friday, and was especially saddened as this terrible news came so soon after the passing of his colleague, Garda Don Connellan (51 ).
Garda Ó Tuairisg was from Inverin and lived in Castlegar. Garda Connellan, a Roscommon man and former senior county player, lived in Moycullen.
Judge Harris said Garda Ó Tuairisg was held in high esteem by judges, the legal profession and his Garda colleagues and that this was one of those times when all should reflect on what they had in life. He extended his sincerest condolences to all of his family and to all members of An Garda Síochána who had lost a friend and a great colleague. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the late Don Connellan who died on August 4 last. Judge Harris said as an Oughterard man he could only look with envy at what Don had achieved with Moycullen GAA.
Sgt Christy Brown said the Gardaí were in shock at the second death of a colleague within a month and were trying to come to terms with the impact of the news. Diarmuid was a very active member of An Garda Síochána, a compassionate and professional man who always did the best he could. He was the leader of his unit and greatly liked and respected. He extended his sympathies to his wife, three children and the entire family.
This news, coming within a month of the passing of Garda Don Connellan, who was not only a fine and well-liked Garda but a great community and GAA activist in his adopted parish of Moycullen, was a double blow, he said. Sgt Brown added that it was particularly poignant for him as he had trained with Don 27 years ago in Templemore.
Sean Acton solicitor said it fell to him to express condolences on behalf of the members of the legal profession. He said that it was shocking news that a man who had just turned 40 and was in the prime of his life with three children under the age of six could pass away so suddenly, adding that it put everything else they were dealing with into perspective.
He said Garda Ó Tuairisg was known as a very honourable man who always gave the benefit of the doubt and he expressed his sincere condolences to the family.
Mr Acton added that he had known Don Connellan for many years as a fine Garda and a stalwart of the GAA and he also expressed condolences on behalf of the legal profession to his family.
Barrister Gary McDonnell, on behalf of the Law Library, extended sympathy to both families as did the Court Registrar on behalf of the staff of the Courts Services.
The Court then stood and observed a minute’s silence as a mark of respect to both men.
